February 26

Week in Review: A Digest of What Happened This Week at the Capitol

February 26, 2021| Legislative News

Delays caused by the Feb. 13-17 winter storm, unofficially known as Winter Storm Uri, continue in Austin. The House stands adjourned until 2 p.m. on Tuesday, March 2, although the Appropriations Subcommittees will meet Monday through Thursday during the first week of the month.

Budget-Writing Committees Continue Their Work

February 26, 2021| Legislative News

Following the winter storm's disruption, the Senate Finance Committee continued its hearings on SB 1, and the House Appropriations Committee began its work, holding its first hearings. Highlights of this week's hearings of relevance to counties are summarized below by committee.

Bills of Interest

February 26, 2021| Legislative News

TAC Legislative Services staff has highlighted some recently filed bills of interest to county officials.

Phelan, Hughes Discuss Top Issues During Counties at the Capitol Day

February 26, 2021| Legislative News

An interview with Texas House Speaker Dade Phelan (R-Beaumont) and remarks by state Sen. Bryan Hughes (R-Mineola) highlighted this year's Counties at the Capitol Legislative Day on Tuesday, held virtually because of the coronavirus pandemic. Phelan and Hughes discussed several top issues of interest to counties, including broadband internet access, which each pointed to as a legislative priority.

Millions in FEMA Grants Available to Texas Counties, Individuals and Nonprofits

February 26, 2021| Legislative News

On Feb. 19, the White House approved a major disaster declaration for 77 counties that were hardest hit by the severe winter storms beginning on Feb. 11. Since then, President Joe Biden added 49 additional counties to the disaster declaration, bringing the total to 126 at the time of publication.

AG Opinions

February 26, 2021| Legislative News

TAC has highlighted recent attorney general opinions and requests for opinions of interest to counties.

What We’re Reading

February 26, 2021| Legislative News

After last week’s historic winter weather, the activities of the 87th Texas Legislature picked up with committee hearings and both chambers convening for a short period. Here are a few news articles on the week’s happenings.


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